“What are you talking about? It’s Korgan. He seldom makes mistakes. And he did everything right while we were there.”

“Oh, did he?” Her speculative glance shifted back to Alisa. Then she smiled. “That’s nice to know.”

Oh, shit.

Ignore it.

She looked away from Margaret and grabbed her backpack from the car. “Just get me to that canyon. You’ve got me worried about that passage.”

“Don’t worry.” Margaret was smiling. “I think I might have the problem solved even if those Berber riders aren’t absolutely perfect.”

“How?”

“Juno. Juno was with me whenever I visited you at St. Eldon’s, and all the horses are familiar with her. She was even with us when we were riding in the hills. It was a game to all of them. If I tell her to lead them down that ledge, they’ll follow her with absolutely no hesitation.”

Alisa should have known Margaret would come up with something. She chuckled. “By George, I believe you’ve got it.”

“Not yet,” Margaret said as she motioned to Juno to follow her. “First, we have to take Juno up to that ledge and let her run it a few times so that she’s letter-perfect when it comes time for her to lead the charge. She’s got to realize that it’s duty this time and not just fun…”

*  *  *

Jubaldar Racetrack
4 P.M.
49 Hours to Race Time

“Sasha, get over here,” Masenak called. “Come and meet our guest! And bring that fiend from Hades so Reardon can see what a beauty he is.”

She whirled and saw Masenak and Reardon strolling toward her from the stables. They were both smiling and appeared very satisfied with themselves. She braced herself, her hand tightening on Chaos’s lead. “Did you warn him that Chaos might decide to smash his head open if he gets too close?”

Masenak’s smile disappeared. “I told him that you were having a few problems with him that you’ll resolve given time and effort. We discussed solutions in depth last night at dinner. Now get over here.”

She walked slowly toward them.

Chaos was holding back. You’re shaking. I don’t like it. Can I do something to them?

No, don’t hurt them. That would make it worse for me. I’ll take care of it. I’ll be all right in a few minutes.

Stupid. It would be so easy. Wouldn’t make it worse. We could each take one of them and then they would be the ones shaking.

No, Chaos. Just wait.

Because you’re too weak to help me? I don’t really need help. I only offered because I didn’t want to insult you again. I’ve decided that since I am king, I should show mercy.

She tried to make the thought more forceful. No, Chaos!